Saturday, February 26, 2011

DIY record bowls

A few months ago, Chris and I had a fun date night where we turned old record albums into serving bowls. We went to a thrift store, found a few records that we liked and came home to reshape them. I thought I would share with you step by step how to make them since they make a great accent to any room. And also, because it's just plain fun!

These are the supplies you'll need: A few records (make sure you check their value online so you don't accidentally melt one that could of made you rich. Oh how that would be a sad day if you did), a glass bowl that can go in the oven and a cookie sheet.

Turn the oven to 130 degrees. Place the record on top of the bowl which is being supported by the cookie sheet. Watch while it's in the oven because it only takes a few short minutes for the record to melt.

Once it's begun to melt, pull it out of the oven and begin molding it with your hands. The record will be warm, but not hot enough to burn you. We put ours in another bowl to help shape it. It will be flimsy for a minute or so, so having a bowl for support helps. Once it's hardened, take it out of the mold and wa la! You have yourself a record bowl. If you aren't happy with the way it turned out, you can pop it back in the oven and reshape it.

We use ours as decoration in the kitchen, but I've seen them used for anything from fruit bowls to jewelry containers. I seriously suggest trying this. It is a great date idea and everyone loves it! Have fun creating.